Moldova Map

The Republic of Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, situated in the northeastern corner of the Balkans. Moldova is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The country includes the unrecognised breakaway state of Transnistria, located along the eastern border with Ukraine. As of January 2023, Moldova’s total area is 33,843 km² (13,067 sq mi) with a population of approximately 2.5 million. Chișinău, the capital and largest city, serves as the cultural and commercial heart of Moldova.

Geography

Moldova lies between latitudes 45° and 49° N, and mostly between meridians 26° and 30° E, extending into the Black Sea Basin. The country is primarily bordered by the Prut river on the west with Romania and the Dniester river on the east with Ukraine. The total land area, including Transnistria, is 33,843.5 km², with 960 km² being water.

The Moldovan landscape is part of the Bessarabia region and features hills that are part of the Moldavian Plateau, originating from the Carpathian Mountains. The highest point in the country is Bălănești Hill at 430 meters. The Dniester river is a notable geographical feature, creating a natural divide between the main territory of Moldova and Transnistria. The country has access to international waters through the Danube river via the port of Giurgiulești.

Demographics

As of January 2023, Moldova’s population is estimated at approximately 2.5 million. The country has seen a slight population decline, with urban areas housing around 43.4% of the population. The capital, Chișinău, is home to about one-third of Moldova’s residents. The population density stands at 82.8 people per km². Life expectancy averages at 71.5 years, with a gender ratio of 100 women to 90 men. The aging population has been on a gradual rise.

The primary language is Romanian, with a significant portion of the population also speaking Russian. Moldova faces challenges like population decline due to emigration and low fertility rates, with the average number of children per woman being below the replacement rate.